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Dedication of the 
Twenty -Third Re||iment 

M. V. 1. 

Boulder 




September 2IS. 1903 
Satem, Ma«s. 




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DEDICATION 

OF THE BOULDER 

COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE 

OF THE 

TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT 

MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER 

INFANTRY, IN THE 

CIVIL WAR, 

1861-1865 



at Salem, Massachusetts 
Septembe7' 28, l()0^ 



SALEM, MASS. 
Newcomb & Gauss, Printers 

1905 



This little pamphlet has been prepared and printed by the 
" Boulder " Committee, and at its expense. It has been com- 
piled and edited by Comrade Herbert E. Valentine of Com- 
pany Y, and a copy is sent to every member of the " Twenty- 
third Regiment Association " with the compliments of 



Chakles W. Brooks, 
Otis Rogers, 
William B. Bessom, 
Alonzo p. Dodge, 
Edward E. Ellis, 
William G. Davis, 
Hiram B. Lord, 



George M. Whipple, 
Thomas Swasey, 
David P. Muzzet, 
Herbert E. Valentine, 
John K. Dustin, 
Frederick Jones. 

" Boulder " Committee. 



m £^ 1906 
D. otO. 



FORTY and four years ago this coming fourth of De- 
cember, at Camp John A. Andrew, Annapolis, 
Maryland, a thousand men, in all the ardor of youth 
and fully panoplied for war, were mustered into the service 
of the United States, the muster to date from September 
28th, 1861. 

This stalwart thousand, known as the Twenty-third 
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, became pro- 
ficient in the school of the soldier, passed through the 
fires of war, acquitting itself with honor, and returned 
with diminished numbers to give up its organization, lay 
aside its warlike implements, return its colors to the care 
and protection of the State, and individually to take up 
anew the duties and responsibilities of civil life. 

Ten years after the date of muster the surviving com- 
rades gathered in reunion at Salem, Mass., formed the 
" Twenty-third Regiment Association," which on the 28th 
day of September, 1905, celebrated the thirty-fifth anniver- 
sary of its formation and dedicated with appropriate cere- 
mony a massive memorial boulder, representative of the 
sturdy character and heroic virtues of the men who fought 
through the Civil War and by its inscription to give some 
faint idea of the hardships and sufferings endured while 
carrying the flag to its final triumph. 

Grand Army Hall, in St. Peter street, Salem, Mass., 
was the rallying point of the regiment, and as the com- 
rades gathered one by one, each new arrival was hailed as 
a " brother beloved," for no friendships are more sincere 
and lasting than those that are fostered amid the trying 
scenes of war. 



After the business meeting the members formed in line 
under the direction of Captain George M. Whipple, Presi- 
dent of the Association for the past two years, and escorted 
by Company " H " of the Eighth regiment and the Salem 
Cadet Band, marched to the City Hall where the invited 
guests were received, line of marcli being then taken up 
for the junction of Winter Street and Washington Square, 
North, where the huge boulder which commemorates the 
Twenty-third regiment's part in the Civil War, was located. 

The day was ideal. The sky smiled above and the air 
was warmed by the bright sunshine which streamed 
through the foliage, and flecked with brilliancy the plat- 
form and space about the boulder occupied by the veterans 
and their friends. 

Upon the platform were seated Captain George M. 
Whipple, Co. F, retiring President of the Association ; 
William H. Cross, Co. C, President-elect; Lt. Col. D. P. 
Muzzey, Co. I, Adjutant ; Thomas Swasey, Co. B, Quar- 
termaster; Samuel H. Hamblet, Co. F; Major Daniel W. 
Hammond, Co. G ; Miss Bertha W. Ferguson, Grand- 
daughter of Col. John Kurtz ; Mrs. Elizabeth Merritt 
Gosse, daughter of Lt. Col. Henry Merritt; Mrs. John R. 
Lakeman ; Hon. Robert S. Rantoul ; Ex. Mayor Hon. J. 
B. F. Osgood ; General Francis H. Appleton; W. T. 
Lander, Commander of Post 34 ; Mayor Joseph N. Peter- 
son; Rev. Dr. DeWitt S. Clark ; Rev. Dr. Alexander Black- 
burn and Hon. Joseph A. Wallis, Mayor of Beverly. 

The exercises opened with prayer by Rev. Alexander 
Blackburn, D. D., after which the memorial was unveiled 
by Miss Bertha W. Ferguson and Mrs. C. H. Gosse, the 
audience standing as the band played the " Star Spangled 
Banner," Hart's battery firing a salute of twenty-three 
guns from the Common. 

Comrade Thomas Swasey, Quartermaster of the Associ- 
ation, then delivered an address describing the boulder. 
He spoke as follows : — 




MISS BERTHA W, FERGUSON 
Grand-daiighter of Cclorel John Kurtz 







^^•W 



\s 



MRS. ELIZABETH MERRITT GOSSE 
Daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Merritt 



Comrades and Friends : — 

For several years a loyal comrade of this Association 
had in mind a large boulder on Salem Neck, that he hoped 
to see at some time located in Town House Square, as a 
fitting monument to his regiment. It may be, that today 
he, with the majority of our Twenty-third boys, is looking 
down on us from that other shore with an approving smile 
expressive of the words '* Well done." Our joy is now 
complete, for the old regiment has here placed a memorial 
that will be ever an incentive to the young to uphold the 
principles which the boys of '61 to '65 fought to establish. 

At the regimental reunion in 1903 Captain George M. 
Whipple first brought the matter before the Association, 
and a committee, consisting of its officers, was appointed 
to consider the subject and report at the next reunion. 
When the report was made, it was adopted by a unani- 
mous vote and the same committee was appointed to pro- 
cure a boulder and have it suitably inscribed. President 
Whipple has worked hard and unselfishly, while the other 
members of the committee have loyally supported him, 
and today we take pleasure in presenting to the Associa- 
tion the result of our labors, this native boulder, every 
dollar of cost paid by the comrades and friends of the 
Twenty-third regiment. Here on this spot will it stand 
for all time, thanks to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen 
of the City of Salem. 

What a singular coincidence that the survivors of the 
Twenty-third should here dedicate their memorial, forty- 
four years after that beautiful October day when, one 
thousand strong and fully equipped for war, it took its 
first long march from Lynnfield to Salem, stacking arms 
on the Common directly opposite the spot on which this 
boulder now stands. 

What memories come to us today! "Proud memories 
of many a field ; sweet memories alike of valor and friend- 
ship ; sad memories of our fallen comrades ; grand memo 



ries of heroic virtues sublimed by grief ; exultant memo- 
ries of the great and final victory of our country, our 
union and the righteous cause." 

It was a happy thought, the suggestion of a boulder, as 
a memorial to the Twenty-third regiment, but it was not 
an easy task to find a boulder of the right proportions and 
shape. Your committee scoured the woods and pastures 
of Peabody, Danvers and Marblehead in search of the de- 
sired stone ; finally on Salem Neck the present boulder 
was discovered. It lay (fortunately detached) amid a mass 
of rock at sea level, some ten or more feet below the main 
land. 

To get this huge rock up from its bed, was a problem 
which at one time seemed impossible of accomplishment, 
and when the first power (by winch and horses) was ap- 
plied, and after several days work the boulder was turned 
on its side, it snapped a twelve-inch timber like a pipe 
stem. A road-way of heavy timbers was laid and after 
several ineffectual attempts the stone was safely landed on 
solid ground. The moving, then, was comparatively easy. 

For the success of this undertaking much credit belongs 
to Mr. William G. Edwards of Salem, and we are indebt- 
ed to his energy, perseverance and skill for the safe arrival 
of the boulder at its present resting place. The distance 
moved was one and one-half miles. 

The boulder contains Hornblende, Gabbro, Syenite, 
Pulaskite and Essexite, the last, named by Professor John 
H. Sears of the Salem museum. No rocks of this composi- 
tion can be found elsewhere in New England. It no doubt 
had its origin on Salem Neck, being a part of the ledge 
from which it was moved. It is eleven feet high and 
about fifteen feet long, with an average depth of four feet, 
and by measurement weighs fifty-eight tons. Rarely if 
ever has a boulder of such size been moved by mechanical 
means. 

The handsome bronze tablet (four by two and one-half 




COMRADE THOMAS SWASEY 
Quarter-master 




COMRADE SAMUEL H. HAMBLET 
Author of Hymn 



feet), and the bronze Corps-badge were from the factory 
of the Murdock Company, Boylston Street, Boston, and 
certainly do credit to the skill and good taste of this com- 
pany. 

And now, kind friends, as we dedicate this massive 
boulder; as we gaze on this everlasting emblem, our 
hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. 

For generations yet to come 

This monument shall stand, 
Unchanging emblem, like our hearts 

And wrought by God's own hand. 

The following original hymn, by Comrade Samuel H. 
Hamblet of Company F, was then simg by some of the 
comrades of the Association to the air of the Russian 
National Hymn, the band accompanying. 

Moved from thine ancient and stable foundation, 
Tempest and thunderbolt, no harm can award. 

Stand thou forever secure in this station, 
Emblem of Peace of the Merciful Lord. 

Tempest and thunderbolt our land assailing, 
After the storm comes the rainbow's reward. 

The rage and the fury — all unavailing, 
Cometh the Peace of our Merciful Lord. 

Here by the beautiful field where we tarried, 

A lusty young thousand, deployed on the sward ; 

Now in our age with the flag that we carried, 
Eender we thanks to the Merciful Lord. 

Unitedly standing — shoulder to shoulder 

The old Twenty-third of the " Red Star " brigade, 

Sets here her brief legend, bronzing this boulder : 
Cherish this peace for the sacrifice made. 

In presenting the boulder to the City, Captain Whipple 
said : — 



Mr. Mayor : — You are the official representative of the 
city of Salem, and I have the pleasure, the privilege and 
the honor of placing in your charge this simple memorial 
boulder. On its face is inscribed in enduring bronze the 
record of the Twenty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volun- 
teer Infantry in the war of 1861 to 1865 — the war that 
preserved the Union and abolished slavery, that gave us 
one country and one flag. 

This memorial, Mr. Mayor, comes as a free-will gift to 
the city of Salem from the " Twenty-third Regiment Asso- 
ciation." It is free from debt or other mcumbrance, and 
we hope, Sir, and we beheve, that in your hands and those 
of your successors in office, this memorial will be cared for 
and preserved for all time. Mr. Mayor, the memorial is 
now in your charge. 

Hon. Joseph N. Peterson, Mayor, responded on behalf 
of the City of Salem as follows ; — 

Captain Whipple and Grentlemen of the Twenty-third 
Regiment Association : — 

We have always taken a pride in the Twenty-third regi- 
ment as a whole, and especially in the Salem men who 
formed such a large contingent of it. They were good 
boys when they joined the command ; when they returned 
they were brave and loyal men ; and during the forty years 
since they came back to Salem they have been among our 
best and most honored citizens. 

We trust they may long be spared for your sake and 
ours. I certainly hope that the younger generation may 
not be called upon to suffer such trials and hardships as 
you endured. I hope the peace which you secured may be 
lasting ; but I know that if ever the time comes when the 
flag needs defenders, the example which you and your 
comrades set will be an inspiration to others. 

This boulder strikes me as a most appropriate monument 
to the men of the Twenty-third regiment. It will stand 




CAPTAIN GEORGE M. WHIPPLE 
Retiring President 



here in future ages as solid and unshaken by the elements 
as you stood against the foe during three long years, years 
which seemed to the families at home Uke so many gene- 
rations. 

This stone is not only typical of the men of the Twenty- 
third Regiment Association, it is like the Massachusetts 
County from which they sprung when duty called them to 
the defence of the country. 

Gentlemen : — I thank you for the honor of being per- 
mitted to say a word to you on this occasion. I welcome 
you to Salem, and extend to you the freedom of the city 
not only for to-day, but also for the future. 

In behalf of the City of Salem allow me to thank you 
for the honor you do her in selecting this spot as the site 
of your monument. 

Lieut. Col. David P. Muzzey, formerly of Co. " I " of 
the Twenty-third regiment, then deUvered the following 
address. 

Comrades of the 23rd Massachusetts Regiment and friends : — 

We meet to-day to dedicate this memorial boulder, which 
has been so aptly described by comrade Swasey. It is my 
province to speak briefly in behalf of the regiment. 

Let me refer in the first place to this locality, which is 
rich in historical associations. 

Joseph Story, the most distinguished Jurist of his time, 
lived within a short distance of this spot. Very near also, 
dwelt Nathaniel Hawthorne, that wonderful writer of 
fiction, and Nathaniel Bowditch, the celebrated mathema- 
tician ; while the ancestors of Governor Andrew had their 
home near by. Surely this is a most interesting locality. 

As you behold this massive stone, a product of Salem, 
your memory reverts to the year 1861, when the South 
arose in rebelhon against the government, and the entire 
people of the North were aroused in defence of a beloved 
country and its sacred institutions. The patriotic spirit 



showed itself throughout the Eastern and Western sections 
of the country. Here in our own Massachusetts, in re- 
sponse to the call of her great War Governor, John A. 
Andrew, the men eagerly enlisted, and marched proudly 
forth to carry the standard of the state, into the smoke, 
the tumult and the carnage of battle. In yonder camp at 
Lynnfield gathered the men of this regiment, which was 
destined to bear its part in that fearful strife with severe 
loss and brilliant honor. 

You recall that first long march in full war equipment 
from Lynnfield to Salem, and from Salem back to camp. 
You remember the glorious reception given us by the 
people of the city, and the collation upon the Common 
near the spot where this memorial boulder now rests. Yes, 
the people looked with pride upon this regiment, for it 
was the only one ready for the front that ever marched 
through Salem streets. It was looked upon as an Essex 
County regiment, for it contained in its ranks men from 
almost every section of the county. 

I pomt to-day, to that list of Officers and Men, who, 
with signal ability, loyalty and devotion, bore their part in 
the great conflict. We cannot fail to note the losses in 
the ranks during those engagements of Roanoke Island, 
New Berne, Kmston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Wilcox Bridge, 
Wrenn's Mills, Heckman's Farm, Arrowfield Church, 
Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, which are 
inscribed on the bronze tablet of this memorial. Each one 
tells its story of blood and sacrifice. 

We revere also to-day the memory of those who have 
passed to the silent land since that great struggle. Es- 
teeming it a high privilege to gather around this memorial, 
we proclaim anew our devotion to that liberty and union 
for which they fought and rendered up their hves. 

I note, briefly, that forty years have passed since the 
regiment was mustered out of service, and often the project 
of raising a suitable memorial has been discussed, being as 



ID 



often deferred, until the ranks have grown thinner year by 
year. At last the clarion note was sounded with an appeal 
which could no longer be stayed. With determination the 
will of the regiment has been carried out in the deposit of 
this huge boulder. 

How interesting appears to us to-day, the early for- 
mation of the regiment ; the organization of each company 
in varied detail ; until the call comes to leave the camp- 
ground at Lynnfield and go forward to the front. 

We arrive at Boston, and a glad welcome comes from 
the people, whose ardor even that heavy rain could not 
quench. New York is reached, and the enthusiastic multi- 
tudes urge us on our way. The march up Broadway will 
not be forgotten ; the passing salute to Mrs. President 
Lincoln at the Metropolitan Hotel, the good old song 
" John Brown's body " filling the air as we march along. 

Jersey City is reached, then on to Philadelphia where 
the soldiers are so abundantly refreshed at the Cooper 
Association Rooms. At Perry ville we take the steamer 
for Annapolis where we are mustered into the United 
States service. 

There we hear the enthusiastic negroes sing their quaint 
song. 

* ' Wet or dry I mean to try 
To get to heaven when I die. 

Jordan water, chilly and cold, 
I've got glory in my soul. 

I heard a voice, I couldn't tell where. 
It must have been my Lord in the air." 

See the faces of the singers ! One foot always in 
motion, they shut their eyes and roll their heads, and the 
music gets decidedly boisterous. 

Then comes the eventful day when we receive our first 

II 



payment from " Uncle Sam " and the boys swell about with 
well-filled pockets. 

The superb music of the regimental band under the 
famous Harry Brown, the gifted leader, falls sweetly on 
the ear. 

Thus is camp life passed until the order comes for the 
regiment to go aboard the schooner " Highlander " and 
steamer " Hussar," bound as it afterward appeared for 
Roanoke Island, from whence the rebels were driven ; and 
shortly after, New Berne fell into the hands of the Federals. 
We mourned the loss of Lieut. J. Goodwin, Jr. at Roanoke 
and Lieut. Col. Henry Merritt at New Berne, as well as 
some enlisted men who bravely bore their part in battle. 

Here we had our first experience on picket dut}^, the 
detail being in charge of Lieut. Charles H. Bates of Com- 
pany F. An interesting capture was made of the printing 
press used by the rebels, which was taken in charge by 
a detail from the Twenty-third under Corporal Joy of 
Company I. The issue of the " New Berne Progress," so 
called, by our regimental printers was quite an anticipated 
event with its twelve hundred copies. 

At New Berne we did Provost duty for many months 
under Colonel John Kurtz as Provost Marshal. A Pro- 
vost Court was established with Col. Kurtz as President 
and Captain Whipple as Clerk. A detail of fifty men was 
made, to work the fire-engme when needed, and subse- 
quently Comrade G. W. Nason was made chief of the Fire 
department. 

The same year we were called upon to part with oar be- 
loved general, Ambrose E. Burnside, who had been so ac- 
ceptable a commander of the expedition, and during this 
time we suffered a loss in the sudden accidental death of 
Captain Thomas Russell. 

That winter Col. John Kurtz resigned and left us for 
Boston, where he was appointed chief of police and served 
seven years. For several years he was President of the 




LIEUT. COL. D. P. MUZZEY 
Orator of the day 



" Twenty-third Veteran Association." His death came 
suddenly, and his funeral was largely attended by the reg- 
iment. 

In the fall of that year expeditions were fitted out for 
Tarboro and Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro, all at- 
tended with satisfactory results. The return to the old 
home, as it was called, was a happy experience, and once 
more the familiar quarters were occupied. Soon an order 
came for a forward movement to Carolina City by rail, 
and a march to Morehead City, where we embarked on the 
ship " James Morton." 

Arriving at Port Royal the regiment landed on St. Hel- 
ena Island and went into camp. General C. A. Heckman 
was put in command of a division. Col. J. J. DeForest 
being assigned to the brigade. 

Three months later orders came for us to board the 
steamer "United States," (General Heckman's Head- 
quarter boat) and the ship " James Morton," bound for 
the city of Charleston, but soon, to the surprise of all, or- 
ders were countermanded and we returned to Hilton 
Head. 

While in South Carolina, the Corps d'Afrique was 
formed, and four men of Company F received commis- 
sions as second Lieutenant. 

Orders came in April for the return of the brigade to 
North Carolina, and great joy resulted on our arrival back 
at New Berne. General Foster, besieged at Washington, 
N. C, ordered the regiment there, but the enemy evacua- 
ted the place and we returned to New Berne. 

In a brief time orders came for a change, and proceed- 
ing to Morehead City, we embarked on transports for 
Newport News, Va., near the mouth of James river, occu- 
pying for the first time the new, strange shelter tents or 
" dog kennels " as they were called, until a supply of " A " 
tents arrived; a welcome change. 

Shortly afterward General J. G. Foster, so long our es- 

13 



teemed commander, was ordered away from our command 
to relieve General Burnside at Knoxville, Tenn. 

The same month re-enlistment papers were signed by 
some two hundred of the men, who were furloughed to 
Massachusetts. 

Then came the transfer to Portsmouth, Va., to join the 
force holding Getty's Line. In the month of March, 1864, 
a violent snowstorm occurred, and drifts of snow three feet 
deep afforded much amusement to the boys who engaged 
in a lively game of snow-balling. 

A sortie at Wrenn's Mills caused some losses. 

At this time resignation of Surgeon George Derby was 
announced to the great regret of officers and men whom 
he had so faithfully attended. He was appointed Assis- 
tant Surgeon U. S. Volunteers, and subsequently Surgeon, 
and further commissioned Brevet Lt. Colonel. 

In April orders came to embark on the steamer " George 
Leary." We landed at Yorktown and moved toward Wil- 
liamsburg where a neat, fresh camp was briefly enjoyed 
by the "Star" brigade until the return to Yorktown 
where we viewed the works which General McClellanhad 
built in 1862. 

We soon broke camp and sailed for Bermuda Hundred, 
Heckman's " Star " brigade consisting of the 23rd, 25th, 
and 27th Mass. and 9th New Jersey regiments, being the 
first to land. 

In May began the movement on Petersburg, the battle of 
Heckman's Farm resulting in losses to the brigade and the 
rebels at Arrowfield Church being driven from their position. 

The whole Army was then advanced to Drewry's Bluff 
where, after a severe encounter, our troops were obliged to 
withdraw. The Twenty-third had many killed, wounded 
and missing. Among those who died of wounds were 
Lieut. Colonel J. G. Chambers and Lieut. R. P. Wheeler. 

The same month the command left for Fortress Mon- 
roe by steamer, and on to White House, where landing 

14 



was made, marching thence to Cold Harbor, where it was 
engaged in battle, with loss in killed and wounded, among 
the latter being Major E. A. P. Brewster, Lieutenants C. S. 
Emmerton, Isaac H. Edgett and James L. Sherman. 

The next month the Twenty-third went into the 
trenches before Petersburg, remaining until the following 
August with a loss in killed and wounded, among the lat- 
ter being Captain J. W. Raymond. 

Next came the march across the Appomattox to Bermu- 
da Hundred where we embarked for New Berne. On ar- 
rival we were ordered on picket and outpost duty south of 
the Trent river. 

A consolidation of the Twenty-third was ordered with 
Lt. Col. J. W. Raymond in command, but this order was 
countermanded by Gen'l B. F. Butler, and the ten com- 
pany formation continued. 

A general advance was directed toward Kinston, where 
for a second time we met the enemy, several men being 
killed, among the wounded being Lt. Frank M. Doble. 

In April the Twenty-third was ordered back to New 
Berne to do Provost duty. 

On June 25th, 1865, it was mustered out of service, 
and ordered to Massachusetts for final discharge and pay- 
ment, being disbanded as an organization. 

On the 28th of September, 1871, the regiment held its 
first reunion at Salem, Dr. George Derby being chosen 
President, Henry B. Pierce, Adjutant, Wm. L. Becker- 
man, Quartermaster and Treasurer, and Wesley C. Saw- 
yer, Chaplain. This reunion has been followed each year 
by a similar meeting, with an average attendance of one 
hundred and twenty-five. 

And thus we rehearse the story of this gallant organi- 
zation. Posterity will read this record and pause at its 
many details. The men who partook of these experiences 
are fast closing the book of life, and it will not be long 
before the last survivor shall pass away. 

15 



May this lesson of bravery be told to the generations 
that are to come, and let it never be forgotten that the 
priceless boon of liberty obtained by so much sacrifice of 
human life is a legac}' transmitted to all, to be faithfully 
cherished as the dearest possession of a united and God- 
fearing people. 

When Col. Muzzey had finished his address, the band 
played " America " and the audience arose and joined in 
singing the National Hymn. 

At the close of the dedication exercises, line was formed, 
and the column headed by the Cadet band and escorted by 
Company H of the Eighth regiment M. V. M. marched to 
the Armory of Company H, in Franklin Building, where 
the annual dinner was served by the ladies of " Phil. H. 
Sheridan" Woman's Relief Corps, more than two hundred 
and fifty persons sitting down to the dinner. 

The divine blessing was asked by Rev. James P. Franks 
of Grace Church. After the dinner the retiring President, 
Captain George M. Whipple, called the company to order 
and introduced comrade William H. Cross the new Presi- 
dent, who spoke as follows : — 

Comrades of the " Twenty -third Regiment Association^^'' 
Your Honor Mayor Peterson^ Members of the City Grovern- 
ment of Salem, Ladies of the Woman^s Relief Corps and 
Friends : — 

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all on this 
pleasant and historic occasion. In the first place, com- 
rades, allow me to thank you for the high honor you have 
this day conferred upon me in electing me to be your 
president for the ensuing year. I will try and serve you 
to the best of my ability. The dedication of the huge 
boulder which, from its nature, is typical of the Twenty- 
third's hard service during its four years participation in 
the war for the Union, makes this a red-letter day for our 
Association. How many recollections come to me to-day 

16 




COMRADE WILLIAM H. CROSS 
President-elect 




COMRADE JOHN R. LAKEMAN 
Toast Master 



of the long and weary marches, the battles and the biv- 
ouacs. As you heard the booming of Hart's battery from 
yonder Common, comrades, did not your memories go 
back forty years when Belger's Fourth Rhode Island Bat- 
tery poured its deadly shot and shell into the enemy's 
ranks. It seems highly proper that ,this boulder, com- 
memorative of the service of our gallant regiment, should 
stand in the City of Salem as so many of our boys were 
recruited in this vicinity. I am particularly interested also, 
as this city was the place of my birth, July 30, 1840, and 
I feel a sense of pride when I walk its streets. 

To the retiring president, Capt. George M. Whipple, to 
the members of the memorial committee, to his Honor 
Mayor Peterson and members of the Salem City Govern- 
ment, our hearty thanks are due for what they have so 
efficiently accomplished, and may those who in the future 
shall look upon this memorial, remember that the suffering, 
privation and loss of life commemorated here, were all 
endured that this great nation might live. 

Comrades, you all remember the First Sergeant of Co. 
A, a rosy cheeked boy who was promoted to Second Lieu- 
tenant and assigned to Co. C. We boys were very much 
pleased, and to-day we look with pleasure upon him as one 
of our own, and I now introduce him to you as our Toast- 
master, Lieut. John R. Lakeman. 
Lieut. Lakeman spoke as follows : — 

Mr. President, honored Guests and Boys of the Twenty- 
third : — In assuming the duties of Toastmaster to which 
position I have been invited, I have been obliged to 
assent to one condition, this having been required by our 
genial President, that I would make no extended remarks, 
but simply present the toasts that had been handed me. 

The first toast: — 

" Our Country " : — That home so dear to every citizen 
of the Republic; that home for which those brave boys 
whose deeds we commemorate to-day, so cheerfully died ; 

17 



that country whose will is potent in the councils of the 
world, to whom all nations turn in time of trouble. 

Response " Hail Columbia " by the band. 
The second toast : — 

"Our Old Bay State": — From which through 
our loved War-Governor John A. Andrew, we received 
our colors ; to which we returned them at the close of the 
war, soiled and tattered, but never dishonored. The 
State that ever leads in lessons of duty and patriotism. 

I shall ask to respond to this toast, a gentleman, not 
only distinguished in the affairs of state, but one who 
knew us so well when he was but a boy that he remem- 
bers individuals, General Francis H. Appleton. 

General Appleton said : — 

Mr. Toastmaster : It is indeed a high privilege to be 
invited to a reunion of participants in that great civil strife, 
in which by successful strategy and the powerful blows that 
were brought to bear, backed up by the supporting power 
of business enterprises, our armies "won out" and pre- 
served to us this superb nation of today. 

All honor to the men of the Twenty-third regiment, 
those living and those who have gone before, for the glori- 
ous part they took in that war which secured such grand 
results. I was a boy and living near your camp at Ljmn- 
field, while you were there preparing yourselves as soldiers 
to protect your country. 

In your serious life you naturally had your fun ; without 
exhuberance of spirit, the best in man cannot come to the 
surface. A racing rowboat was owned and housed on 
Suntaug Lake upon which your camp bordered. I shall 
ever recall the fun that some few of you fellows had in 
taking it from behind lock and key, and endeavoring to row 
the apparently unsteady craft. I am sure you enjoyed 
it and I am thankful that the soldier boys of '61 to '65 
had that fun, although it first incensed and then amused us. 

I, that L}Tinfield boy, am proud and pleased, to be called 
upon to respond for this distinguished, and for this com- 

i8 




HON JOSEPH N . PETERSON 
Mayor of Saiem 



paratively young nation, historic commonwealth. It was 
my privilege as a chikl to stand on the sidewalk opposite 
the State House in Boston, when the Sixth regiment re- 
ceived its colors from Gov. Andrew, after the prayer of Rev. 
A. H. Vinton, and then amid the weeping of wives and 
children, to see it start for the front. This sight deeply 
impressed me, and is still vivid in my memory. 

It was in Salem, at a spot in front of the building north- 
east from Mechanic Hall, on Essex St., that I recall liear- 
ing that the brave General Robert Anderson was defending 
Ft. Sumpter against those who were then seeking to secede 
from the Union and to retain slavery. I seldom pass that 
building without recalling that fact. 

At this hour of renewing old acquaintance and recalling 
experiences of long ago, I would not detain you. Let us 
ever hold ourselves ready, well-drilled and well-trained, to 
fight the battles of civil life in as earnest and patriotic a 
spirit, m behalf of mmiicipality, state and nation, during 
peace, as was done for the cause of the Union during the 
war of 1861 to 1865. 

"The City of Salem," — the city so patriotic that she 
sent three thousand of her sons to fight for our loved 
country ; the city that cared so well for those we left 
behind and is doing so much for them that are still 
with us ; and the honorable gentleman who will respond 
to this toast is not only the esteemed and respected 
Chief Magistrate, but also one who took his first les- 
son in patriotism when following the old Twenty-third 
on its march from Lynnfield to Salem ; one who, had 
he been a few years older, would have marched away 
with us as a private soldier, to return wearing the star 
of a Brigadier General, Hon. Joseph N. Peterson. 

Mr. President and Grentlemen : — As Mayor of this good 
city I bring you her greetings. No city is prouder of the 
work of her boys of '61 to '65 than ours. As a boy I fol- 
lowed every step of the Twenty-third regiment ; the depart- 
ure from Lynnfield, the journey to Annapolis, the action at 
Roanoke Island, the battles before Richmond, and it's 

19 



coming home, with great interest. It is like a dream and 
brings fresh to my mind as in a picture, that stirring 
period. 

One can see, even now, the boys m blue sleeping in their 
tents on the eve of battle, dreaming of home and its sur- 
roundings ; the wife and children, the sweetheart, the sister 
and brother, the home, all appearing in the picture. One 
can hardly recall the past without thinking that those same 
brave soldier boys went through the four long years of 
hardship and peril for the sake of the country they rever- 
enced and honored ; at what fearful cost you yourselves can 
tell ; and when you returned leaving behind on the field or 
in the hospitals hmidreds of your comrades, you laid down 
the musket and the sword to become our very best citizens. 
One can hardly do justice to your valuable service in the 
dark days of the repubhc. 

I give you, as Mayor, the freedom of the city. May 
your stay amongst us be profitable and pleasant ; and may 
your declining years be without shadow or sorrow. 

Gentlemen : I bid you God speed. I thank you. 

*' Our Field Officers," — who led us on the field of bat- 
tle, who cared for us in camp and who loved us as we 
loved them. Our only living field officer will respond 
to this toast and he is one who exemplifies the old 
saying that " good stuff is often done up in small bun- 
dles." Major D. W. Hammond. 

Mr. President, Comrades of the " Twenty-third Regiment 
Association,^'' Friends all: — 

It gives me great pleasure to be with you to-day and to 
see so many of my old comrades here to take part in 
these pleasant memorial exercises. 

I am called on to respond to the toast " The Field Offi- 
cers of the Regiment," and I believe I am the only one hv- 
ing who held a commission as a field officer of the Twenty- 
third regiment. 

Our first Colonel, was John Kurtz of Boston, a fine offi- 
cer, a thorough soldier, a brave man. He served with us 




MAJOR D. W. HAMMOND 



at Roanoke and New Berne, of whicli city he later was 
Provost Marshal, resigning his eonmiission in November, 
1862. He was Chief of Police of the city of Boston for a 
number of years, and died in 1881. 

Our first Lieut. Col. was Henry Merritt of Salem, a man 
whom all respected and loved. Ever ready to relieve dis- 
tress, he did all in his power to make the lives of his com- 
rades comfortable. He was killed on the field at New 
Berne, N. C, March 14th, 1862. 

Andrew Elwell of Gloucester, who had been Major of 
the Eighth regiment m the three months service, joined 
the Twenty-third as Major, was promoted to Lieut. Colonel 
and Colonel, serving until September 28th, 1864, when he 
was discharged, his term of service having expired. He died 
at Gloucester in 1903. 

Our last Colonel, John W. Raymond of Beverly, was 
First Lieut, in the Eighth regiment, three months troops, 
and joined the Twenty-third as Captain of Co. G of Bever- 
ly, being promoted to Lieut. Col. and Colonel. He was a 
brave officer and one whom all delighted to honor. He 
was discharged with the regiment July 12th, 1865, and 
died at his home in Beverly, m 1902. 

John G. Chambers who had served in the Mexican war, 
and as Adjutant of the Fifth regiment M. V. M., three 
months service, jomed our regiment as Adj't, was promoted 
to Major and Lieut. Col. He was mortally wounded at 
Drewry's Bluff and died in July, 1864. He was every 
inch a soldier. 

Henry P. Woodbury of Beverly, served in the Eighth 
regiment, three months service, and joined the Twenty-third 
as First Lieut, of Co. G. of Beverly. He was promoted to 
Captain of Co. F. of Salem, and to Lieut. Col. of the regi- 
ment in 1864. He was wounded at Cold Harbor, and dis- 
charged July 12th, 1865, the expiration of his service, a 
brave soldier, beloved by all his comrades. He died at his 
home in Beverly, in January, 1884. 



E. A. P. Brewster, served as Lieut, in the Eighth regi- 
ment, three months service. He joined us as Capt. Co. A, 
and was promoted to Major in 1863. He was womided at 
Cold Harbor, and discharged in 1864 by reason of expira- 
tion of service. He died in Michigan in 1877. 

I too, am a Salem boy, born here January 9th, 1839, but 
removed to Beverly when quite young. I entered the 
service as a private in Co. E, Eighth regiment, M. V. M., 
served three months and fifteen days. I enlisted in Co. G, 
Twenty-third regiment, August 1st, 1861, but there was 
some trouble with our papers so that new ones were pro- 
cured and I am credited with enlisting September 8th, 1861. 

I was with the TAventy-third from start to finish. Served 
as Second Lieut. Co. G, First Lieut. Co. H, Captain Co. B, 
and as Major of the regiment from October 14th, 1864 to 
July 12th, 1865, when my term of service having expired, 
I was discharged. 

It is really wonderful that there are so many of us liv- 
ing and present who participated in the events of the Civil 
War. 

Now Mr. Commander, I thank you for the opportunity 
to address you, and trust we may all meet at our reunion 
next year. 

"Our City from 1861 to 1865," — those years so 
fraught with sunshine and shadow, with gladness and 
with sadness; years which made men and women who 
have been a credit to the nation. In response to this 
toast I shall call upon a gentleman fully competent 
to speak from long and vivid experience, with a thor- 
ough knowledge of all that transpired during that 
period. Hon. Robert S. Rautoul. 

Mr. Rantoul said: 

I recall the period referred to by the toastraaster as 
vividly as any of my hearers, — as though it were but yes- 
terday, when the Twenty-third regiment was deployed 
along the eastern Common fence, and what a noble show 
they made when they marched out at the west gate and 



through town for their camp at Lynnfield. Those were 
days when public feeling was at boiling pitch. Everybody 
was a patriot or tried to be. I take the liberty to say thus 
much, for no man, unless he were in the army or in the 
government, gave more of his time and thought and effort 
to the cause of the country than the speaker, for I was the 
executive officer of the Salem Union League, — a body 
which did good work throughout the war in raising money 
for soldiers' hospitals and keeping public opinion in touch 
with the issues of the times as they arose. 

The spot chosen b}^ the regiment for its memorial is his- 
toric ground. It looks upon the Common, given in 1714 
by a Higginson, — progenitor of a worthy stock, — to the 
town of Salem "for a training field forever." So that 
while time lasts it can never be encumbered with any object 
which can impair its value for military uses. The frog- 
ponds and the duck-ponds, — half a dozen of them there 
were on it, — have gradually been filled up — school-house 
and hose-house and gun-house which have invaded it from 
time to time have all disappeared — the Work House which 
stood in one corner took itself off to the Neck in 1819, 
and the trees that have now and then been set out in a way 
which might obstruct military evolutions have uniformly 
found theruselvesblighted in their early prime, through some 
mysterious nocturnal influence more familiar to the aver- 
age militiaman of the day than to the student of forestry, 
and which perhaps the Salem Light Infantryman of the 
past could explain better than anybody. So the rising 
sun will take his first glance at your commemorative boul- 
der through an open vista forever. 

But there is a good deal more history lying loose about 
here. Lookmg to the left from your boulder you have the 
corner passed by Washington on the morning of October 
30th, 1789, when he momited the old white charger at the 
Ward house in a street which since that day has borne his 
name, and rode doAvn Main street, turning at Pleasant 

23 



street on his way to Beverly, to breakfast with George 
Cabot and visit the first Cotton Mill. He could not follow 
Pleasant street to Bridge street because it stopped at the 
corner of the Common, so he turned this way into Winter 
street, and he passed the Town hay-scales at the point 
where your boulder rests. Here also on the left — on his 
right — was a large tan-yard operated by the grandfather of 
John Albion Andrew, and the name survives in Andrew 
street near by. He removed to the province of Maine and 
there the great War Governor was born. But he was born 
in 1818, and the province of Maine was then part of Mas- 
sachusetts, and remained so until 1820. So the War Gov- 
ernor never tired of congratulating himself that he was born 
in Massachusetts. 

Judge Story of the Federal Supreme Court built, about 
1811, the brick dwelling to the west of the boulder and 
had his office close by. And just around the corner, where 
the Salem club is domiciled, lived Anne Pudeator who was 
hanged for a witch in 1692 — a startling if not an edifying 
remmiscence. And here, a little further on, we have an- 
other reminder of our great War Governor. He never out- 
lived his passion for singing church-music, as any member 
of his Staff can tell you, and just beyond the club-house is 
the stately mansion-house which his uncle John Andrew 
built and where, in the years he spent as a young law-stu- 
dent in Cambridge and Boston, he used to spend his Sunday 
outings, and sing psalm-tunes, late into the night, with his 
cousins Andrew and Forrester and Barstow. I see my 
friend Corporal Fitz-Waters — one of the most honored vet- 
erans of this honored regiment — eyeing me sharply, and as 
he has the history of Salem at his tongue's end from the 
settlement down, it will be impossible for me to make any 
shp in these rambling remarks of mine, for which I had no 
notice that I was to be prepared, that it will not be possi- 
ble for huu to challenge on the spot. I take his silence for 
endorsement. But I will venture no further. A century 



24 




JAMES LEWIS SHERMAN 
Adjutant 



ago this very spot upon whicli we are dining was Andrew 
Corner. The air all about here is laden with the precious 
memory of that whole-souled man. He has not yet reached 
his zenith. Had he lived ten years longer, our reconstruc- 
tion problem would have been better handled. I had the 
honor to stand at his elbow on the esplanade in front of the 
State House, when he received back the battle-flags at the 
end of the Rebellion. I had the honor and great pleasure 
to know him from my boyhood up, before the public found 
him out, and when the public fomid him out I sat with 
him in his first term in the Legislature of 1858, and heard 
him make the grand impromptu speech which stamped 
him for Governor of Massachusetts. In the autumn before 
that — the campaign of 1857 which made Banks Governor 
— I had the honor to preside at a Repubhcan rally in Salem, 
and to present John Albion Andrew as one of the speakers 
of the evening, and he was so thoroughly an miknownman 
at that time that the boys in the gallery made fun of his 
eccentricities. But he had not spoken many minutes be- 
fore the audience which crowded Mechahic Hall was under 
his spell. A rare man ! A combination of strong brain 
and fine feeling too early lost ! I have wandered far 
afield. Let me thank you for your kind attention. 

" Our Staff Officers " : — Responded to by Adjutant 

James L. Sherman : — 

Mr. Toastmaster, your Honor the Mayor, Friends and 
Comrades of the Twenty-third : I am pleased to meet 
you all today. Many times. Comrades have I stood before 
you, and commanded your attention. Today I cannot 
command but I know you will kindly give attention while 
your old Adjutant speaks in honor of the regiment. Time 
will not permit me to give in full, its record. The camp, 
the march, the bivouac and the battle are all fixed in 
memory. Forty-four years ago the thirty-first day of 
October next the Twenty-third marched from its camp at 
Lynnfield to this honored city. Today we come again, 

25 



not as armed soldiers but as peaceful citizens, with ranks 
sadly broken and without our commanding officers, all of 
whom have answered the " last call." We come to 
dedicate a lasting memorial in honor of the regiment. As 
Adjutant for so long a time I wish to render a loving 
tribute to those with whom I was so closely and officially 
associated. I bring with me the muster-out Roll of the 
Field and Staff, a Roll of Honor. Of those whose names 
appear there are but three living today. Adjutants Em- 
merton and Sherman, and Quartermaster Wetherbee. 

The first name upon this Roll is Colonel John Kurtz. 
His record was most honorable. At Roanoke he proved 
himself a brave and skilful commander. At New Berne, 
when directed by General Foster to follow the fleeing en- 
emy, being without ammunition, he ordered his command 
to " Fix bayonets," and said, " If we cannot give them 
shot we will give them the cold steel." A strict discipli- 
narian he asked only that all should do their duty. He 
had a kind heart and left us honored and respected by all. 

Lieut. Col. Merritt proved himself a brave officer. I 
was by his side as we passed through that now famous 
swamp at Roanoke, and I was with him on the transport, 
watching the landing of our men at Slocum's Creek. 
Suddenly the dark clouds above us opened ; for a moment 
the sun shone forth in all its brightness and then as sud- 
denly disappeared. He turned to me and said, " Did you 
see that ? God is with us." Col. Merritt was a Christian 
soldier. The following morning as the battle opened he 
fell, cheering on his men, giving up his life for his coun- 
try. His death brought sorrow to all our hearts. 

On the death of Lieut. Col. Merritt, Major Andrew 
Elwell was promoted to Lieut. Col. and on the discharge 
of Col. Kurtz, to Colonel, commanding the regiment to the 
end of his three years' terra of service. He was a brave 
soldier and fully qualified to perform the duty of com- 
mander. 

26 



John G. Chambers, our first Adjutant, a veteran of the 
Mexican War, full of vigor and brave almost to rashness. 
Promoted from Adjutant to Major and from Major to 
Lieut. Colonel, in every position he proved himself an 
ideal soldier, and raised the regiment to a high standard. 
He was proud of his command and every officer and man 
in the Twenty-third honored him. While bravely leading 
the regiment at Drewry's Bluff he fell mortally wounded. 
Even then his only thought was for the safety of his com- 
mand. We revere his memory. 

Lieut. Col. Raymond ! I cannot find words to express 
my feeling of love and esteem. On receiving my commis- 
sion as Second Lieut., I was assigned to Co. G, then com- 
manded by hira. There I learned his noble traits of char- 
acter; although not a polished soldier, none braver ever 
met the storm of battle. 

Surgeon George Derby ! He was a true man, always 
seeking first the welfare of the men. I wish I had time 
to tell more of his worth and loj'alty. 

Quartermaster Henry B. Pierce ! One whom you all 
loved. Well did he perform his duty. He left a most 
honorable record not only as a soldier, but as a citizen, 
holding for many years the high office of Secretary of the 
Commonwealth. With all his honors he never forgot his 
comrades of the regiment. 

Would that I had time to render deserved tributes of 
love and respect to all my associates. Major Brewster, 
Surgeon Whittier, Asst. Surgeons Stone, Roberts, Cum- 
mings and Emmerton ; Quartermaster Goldthwaite and 
Chaplains Clarke and Record, all have answered the " last 
call." Each and all served well their country and we can- 
not forget them. 

What of our standards ? Precious emblems of State 
and Country. Entrusted to our keeping by that noble 
patriot. Governor John A. Andrew, we followed them 
through many a fierce and bloody battle, and brought 

27 



them back crowned with victory. Now, more beautiful 
to the soldier's eye, more sacred to the soldier's heart, 
tattered and torn by shot and shell, soiled by storm and 
tempest and stained with the blood of our brave comrades 
who bore them, they rest to-day, within Memorial Hall, 
under the dome of our State Capitol, silent witnesses to the 
valor of the Union soldier. In time those precious stand- 
ards will fade away and fall to dust, but that grand me- 
morial stone which we dedicate to-day will stand for ages, 
around which, generation after generation will gather to 
honor the memory of the boys of '61 to '65 who followed 
these battle-flags to victory in the cause of right, justice 
and freedom for all. 

" Our Living Comrades " : — 

Herbert E, Valentine of Company F was called upon 
to respond, but hoarseness allowed him to speak but brief- 
ly, which he did, congratulating the Association on the 
bestowment, and the City on the reception, of so fitting a 
memorial. 

" Our Comrades Dead," responded to by Comrade 
Louis L. Robbins, who spoke as follows : — 

Comrades and friends, we are getting old, but thank 
God our hearts are young, and we will keep them young 
to the end, cherishing these hallowed memories which are 
revived by this reunion and the exercises of the day. 

I told Capt. Whipple when I reported to him yesterday 
for duty, I would do anything he ordered but I did not ex- 
pect he would authorize you, Mr. Toastmaster, to assign 
to me this toast. I thought he would direct you to allow 
me to tell my little batch of stories, new and old, and leave 
the duty of sober speaking to some of your more gifted 
orators. " Our Comrades dead! " Some years ago when 
the Comrades of Beverly dedicated their monument, I, as 
guest of Post 82 marched in the parade ; as we passed 
down Cabot street, my attention was directed to a little 
vine clad cottage whereon framed in lillies and roses, 

28 




COMRADE HERBERT E. VALENTINE 




COMRADE LOUIS L. ROBBINS 



freshly gathered, was a shield with this inscription : — 
" Our Boy never came back." Nothing in all the day so 
appealed to me, and the tears came to my eyes, and my 
heart into my throat, as I thought how many of " Our 
Boys " never came back. To-day as we run our eyes over 
the old roster " now dimmed with time and burned with 
tears," we sadly realize how many who were with us on 
yonder Common that October day forty-four years ago, 
have been mustered out and laid to rest " within that 
tent whose green portals never outward turn." 

" Their swords are rust, their bodies dust, 
Their souls are with the Saints, we trust." 

How shall I do honor to our dead ? How can I call 
the roll? From Roanoke to Drewry's Bluff, from White- 
hall to Petersburg, from the day the regiment was mus- 
tered out to this present time, our boys have gone over to 
join the " Great Majority " and are answering " here " to 
the roll call up yonder. 

I may recall a few names that will but serve to remind 
you of others. Goodwin and Merritt ; Dick Wheeler and 
Chambers; Brewster and Hart; but I forbear; you each 
have someone in your heart and mind, and as I mention 
these names you are but reminded of some old tent mate ; 
of your comrade who shared your blanket and canteen, of 
the dear old boys you marched with, served with, and 
sometimes quarrelled with, all gone, and you but a hand- 
ful left, to do them honor. 

What a grand reunion we will have some day when we 
shall see them and the Great Captain face to face. 

Hon. J. B. F. Osgood, Ex-Mayor of Salem, during the 
year 1865, was called on as the soldiers' friend. He was 
given three cheers, all standing. Judge Osgood eloquent- 
ly responded referring to the striking scenes of the 
Rebellion, and made many tender allusions to the days of 
the civil war. He quoted from his inaugural address as 

29 



Mayor of Salem in 1865. "The Statutes of the Common- 
wealth impose on the City Clerk the duty of making a full 
record of the names and service of the military career of 
all officers, soldiers and sailors who compose the city 
quota of the troo[)s furnished to the United States during 
the rebellion. In future years such a record will be an 
invaluable means of proving the service of every one of 
our citizens who have so honorably upheld the flag of our 
Union, in the field and on the sea, during this memorable 
struggle. 

" We cannot place in our archives a more precious record 
than the required acknowledgment of the woi'th of charac- 
ter and glorious exploits of those whose generous impulses 
led them to forsake the comforts of home to endure every 
form of sacrifice, hardship and danger in defence of 
national life. * * * Let us not merit the reproach of 
cruel ingratitude and indifference by suffering a single 
one of the gallant hearts to be missed from the roll of 
honor, or a single precious memory to die away. * * * 
'Death, alas! too soon for their country' has even now 
completed the eventful history of many who went from 
among us with heroic courage to exchange their pure and 
noble lives for an undying remembrance and fame * * * 
They met honorable death by bullet shot and shell, by 
bayonet thrust and sabre stroke, by lingering disease of 
the camp, and cruel starvation in rebel prisons. 

".The names of Lander, Merritt, Hodges, Buxton, Allen, 
Batchelder, Dearborn, Saunders, Bancroft, Hill, Wheeler, 
Williams, Webb, Redmond, and more than one hundred 
and fifty gallant soldiers and seamen, 

' The mourned — the loved — the lost — too many, 
Yet how few,' 

begin this illuminated record of our citizen heroes who 
have closed their patriotic lives, avenging their country's 
wrongs. " 



30 




HON. J. B. F. OSGOOD 
Mayor of Salem, I 865 



" How sleep the brave, who sink to rest 
By all their country's wishes blest ! 
When spring, with dewy fingers cold, 
Returns to deck their hallowed mould, 
She there shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than fancy's feet have ever trod. 
There Honour comes, a pilgrim grey, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay ; 
And Freedom shall awhile repair. 
To dwell a weeping hermit there." 

In closing Judge Osgood presented to the Twenty- third 
Regt. Association, the only copy remaining of his Inaugu- 
ral Address, as IMayor, in 1865. 

A beautiful bouquet was presented to the Judge at the 
close of his speech. 

Capt. Wm. H. Perry was called upon and responded as 
follows : — 

Mr. President and Members of the 23rd Regt. Asso- 
ciation: — A great Captain once said that it was par- 
donable to be defeated but never to be surprised. I must 
admit that I am surprised that your Toastmaster has seen 
fit to call upon me when there are so many able speakers 
present. I fear that I am defeated also as I am but a 
poor speaker at best. 

I welcome you all to this Armory in the name of the 
Salera Light Infantry which I have the honor to command. 

One of the proudest boasts of this old command, which 
celebrated its 100th birthday two weeks ago, is that many 
of its members served in the ranks of the gallant Twenty- 
third and that two of them, one of whom is your honored 
President, commanded companies in the regiment. For 
this reason we feel honored today that we are allowed to 
parade as escort to your Association and to be among the 
first to congratulate you upon the success of the impres- 
sive ceremonies at the unveiling of your memorial boulder. 

I am familiar with the history of your regiment and its 

31 



record is an honorable one. No association of men today 
deserves more at the hands of the people of this country 
than this, which responded in '61 and by toil and sacrifice 
preserved the Union. 

Mr. Toastmaster I thank you for calling upon me, and 
gentlemen, I thank you for the invitation to be with you 
today. 

Walter H. Merritt, son of Lieut. Col. Merritt, was 
called upon and responded as follows ; — 

Men of the Twenty-third: — I hesitate to speak to 
you to-day, not from a lack of interest in the object of 
this meeting, but because the Twenty-third regiment of 
Massachusetts represented so personal and so vital a part 
of my own boyhood, its glory and its grief, that to-day, 
even after forty years, memory is busy with pictures clear 
and persistent, full of the strain of the times, making mere 
words seem empty and lifeless. 

I remember well the old Salem Drill Club, later Co. F 
of the Twenty-third, with its peculiar gray uniform, an ob- 
ject of admiration to us boys. I see it marching up Es- 
sex and Boston streets to the camp at Lynnfield. I see 
the regiment on its visit to Salem, marching down Essex 
street, one thousand strong, its platoons extending across 
the street from curb to curb. I recall the last Saturday 
night supper in camp, before the regiment started for the 
front, and sitting in the midst I shared the hush and the 
exultation. 

That, gentlemen, was over forty years ago, and it is em- 
inently fitting that you, the survivors of that gallant thou- 
sand, should found a memorial to the Twenty-third regi- 
ment of Massachusetts which did such honorable service 
in the time of its Country's direst need, and by that ser- 
vice aided her in becoming a united nation and a world 
power. 



32 




CAPTAIN WILLIAM H PERRY 
Commanding Escort 



"Post 34 G. A. R," responded to by Lieut. Col. J. 
Frank Dalton. 

Mr. Toastmaster: — I am asked to say a word for tho 
Grand Army of the Republic and I regret that the Com- 
mander is not present to respond for Post 34 and the or- 
der at large. When I look upon this assembled company, 
a large number being wearers of the little bronze button, 
it would seem that no words of mine were needed in their 
behalf ; because the veterans of the Civil War as a body 
represent everything that goes to make up good citizenship, 
standing for purity in public affairs, for miswerving loyal- 
ty to the country and its flag, to the defence of which they 
gave some of the best years of their lives. 

Forty years and more have passed since those days that 
made such an important part of the history of our country, 
and the survivors of that mighty host which made up the 
Union forces are the gray-headed men of to-day, many of 
them broken in health, some shattered in limb, while some 
need the helping hand in this winter of their lives. 

Soon after the war closed, the Grand Army of the Re- 
pubhc was organized ; pledged to the principles of Frater- 
nity, Charity and Loyalty, and the order has been faithful 
in its work. It has carried smishine to many a desolate 
and sorrowing home; has cheered many who were discour- 
aged; and has devoted itself as a part of its work to 
cherishing the memory of those who have gone and who 
left dependent ones to its care, and a generous pubhc has 
given the means to accomplish this work. 

We have here with us today, and we have heard their 
stirring words, two gentlemen representing the older and 
the younger generation ; both of them earnest, firm and 
abiding friends of the soldier and sailor. I refer to Judge 
Osgood whose voice and purse are ever ready for our ser- 
vice, and to Mr. Schofield who has done brave and earnest 
work in the interest of the veterans, and I wish we had 
more like them. 

33 



We are not as active as in days gone by ; our numbers 
are steadily decreasinor and while the task is more burden- 
some each year, we shall continue our work and keep our 
pledge to the very end, but we could do little even now if 
it were not for the strong right arm that we have in the 
organization kno^\^l as the Woman's Relief Corps. Its 
work is unceasing and untiring ; and the good it does and 
the assistance it gives to the G. A. R., are immeasurable. 
If it were not for the substantial help from that source, 
the G. A. R. could not be an effective body today upon 
charitable lines. The spirit and loyalty shown by the 
women of to-day are the same that actuated the women of 
1861 to 1865, who by their patriotic, thoughtful and lov- 
ing devotion made glad the hearts of the soldiers and sail- 
ors during those eventful years. 

To-day, Sir, the " Twenty-third Regiment Association " 
has shown itself to be the pioneer in Salem in the erection 
of a memorial of its brave and honorable service in the great 
rebellion, and I hope the example may result in the erec- 
tion of monuments on the same lines in other parts of our 
city, by those connected with organizations in which she 
was represented. 

Thus closed a day unique in the annals of Salem. The 
comrades separated, thankful that they had been permitted 
once more to clasp each other by the hand and renew the 
friendships of yore ; happy that in departing, they had left 
behind them a memorial creditable to themselves and 
worthy of the good city in which it stands, which will tell 
the story of heroism and sacrifice to all future generations. 



Additional copies of this pamphlet can be procured from Thomas 
Swasey, Marblehead, Mass. Address him enclosing the price 25 
cents each. 



34 



Officers Elected September 28, J 905. 



President^ Wm. H. Cross. 

Vice President at Large, Edward H. Haskell. 

Adjutant, David P, Mtjzzey. 

Quartermaster, Thomas Swasey. 

Chaplain, John H. Cox. 

Vice President hy Oompanies; 

Co. a. W. C. Cummings. 

Co. B. a. O. Chamberlain. 

Co. C. John K. Dustin. 

Co. D. John S. Patch. 

Co. E. T. S. Atwood. 

Co. F. G. H. S. Driver. 

Co. G. Joseph H. BAiiER. 

Co. H. Fred L. Jones. 

Co. I. Albert P. Hills. 

Co. K. E. E. Ellis. 



35 



{Inscription on Bronze Tablet.) 
TO COMMEMORATE THE FAITHFUL SERVICE 

OF THE 

TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 

AT 

Roanoke Island Wrenns Mills 

New Berne Heckmans Farm 

KiNSTON Arrowfield Church 

Whitehall Drewys Bluff 

GoLDSBORO Cold Harbor 

Wilcox Bridge Petersburg 

Kinston 

IN THE CIVIL WAR 1861-65 WHICH PRESERVED THE 
UNION AND ABOLISHED SLAVERY. 

Co. A. Salem Co. F. Salem 

Co. B. Marblehead Co. G. Beverly 

Co. C. Gloucester Co. H. Harvard 

Co. D. New Bedford Co. I. Ipswich 

Co. E. Plymouth Co. K. Foxboro 



Dkdicated, September 28, 1905. 



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